TEHRAN - After a 14-year hiatus, the Mashhad-Lar flight service has been re-established, fulfilling a long-standing demand for pilgrims traveling to the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS).

The first flight, carrying 133 passengers, took off on Thursday morning from Larestan Ayatollah Ayatollahi International Airport to Mashhad, the capital of Khorasan Razavi province, marking a significant milestone for the region.

The airport chief Mohsen Rafiei announced the resumption of the service, emphasizing its importance to the local community.

This air service has been a longstanding demand of the people, which has been realized through the efforts of local authorities and representatives in the Iranian parliament, Rafiei explained.

To celebrate the inaugural flight, a traditional water salute was performed, a ceremonial welcome in the aviation industry for an aircraft arriving at an airport for the first time.

Additionally, the special governor of Lar and various local officials greeted the arriving passengers from Mashhad with flowers and sweets, adding a festive touch to the occasion.

Moreover, departing passengers heading to Mashhad were also bid farewell with flowers and sweets, provided by Lar's senior officials. Rafiei mentioned that from now on, there will be one round-trip flight every Thursday between Lar and Mashhad.

The airport, located in Lar, 340 kilometers south of Shiraz in the Fars province, plays a crucial role in facilitating travel in the southern region of Iran. It already offers weekly flights to major destinations such as Tehran, Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, and Sharjah, serving as a key hub for passengers and tourists.

AM